[Satellite TODAY Insider 10-03-11] International Launch Services (ILS) has launched operator SES’ QuetzSat-1 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit on board an Proton Breeze M rocket, the companies confirmed Sept. 30.

   Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), which was procured by SES to build QuetzSat-1, said the satellite is now performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. “The satellite deployed its solar arrays early this morning. Tomorrow, it will begin the first of several thruster firings to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit,” SS/L said in a company statement.

   The Ku-band QuetzSat-1 was designed as a 20-kilowatt broadcasting satellite to provide advanced DTH television coverage over Mexico, the United States and Central America. The spacecraft is based on SS/L’s 1300 satellite platform and carries 32 Ku-band transponders. QuetzSat-1 is SS/L’s sixth successfully launched 20-kilowatt satellite. The QuetzSat-1 satellite will be placed into position at the 77 degrees West orbital slot to be used in part by Dish Mexico, an EchoStar joint venture, for Direct-To-Home (DTH) services in Mexico and for Dish Network in the United States.

   EchoStar has leased the entire capacity of QuetzSat-1 for 10 years. Because the satellite is fully leased, it will immediately begin generating revenue for SES following in-orbit testing. SES said the satellite is an important part of the company’s current satellite expansion program.

   “The launch of QuetzSat-1 is the fourth successful SES satellite launch this year, and we look forward to providing EchoStar with a state-of-the-art new satellite to support the services they provide to their customers in the United States and Mexico,” SES President and CEO Romain Bausch said in a statement.

    “QuetzSat-1 is a very important satellite to SES and their customer EchoStar and ILS has worked in partnership to make this launch a success. We thank the teams of SES, ILS, Khrunichev and Space Systems/Loral for ensuring mission success with the ILS Proton launch of QuetzSat-1 and we look forward to our upcoming launches with SES,” ILS President Frank McKenna said following the launch.